NEWS
ETA - Starting on the 5th of March, travellers to the UK must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs £10 (~€12) and is valid for two years. Applications can be made online or via the UK ETA app, and approval takes around three days. The ETA is required for tourists and short visits, but different visas apply for students and workers.
Boat Caught Fire in Cannes - A boat has caught fire overnight, prompting a major emergency response in the old port of Cannes. 45 firefighters and two fireboats controlled the blaze, while a pollution barrier was set up. No one was on board, and the cause remains unknown.
Women's Rights Week - As part of Women's Rights Week, 5,000 drink covers and 1,100 test kits will be distributed to high school seniors to combat drink spiking in Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes. The initiative includes school awareness campaigns and partnerships with bars and restaurants. Events from the 6th to the 22nd of March will feature exhibitions, an escape game, and discussions on women in science and the arts.
Internship in Video Game Industry for Nice Students - Twenty high school students in Nice will get a week-long internship in video game development from the 16th to the 20th of June, organized by ISART Digital and Nice Start(s) Up. They will explore game art, design, and programming, with hands-on practice and industry meetings. Limited spots are available, and registration is open on 1eleve1stage.education.gouv.fr.
32 Classes to Close in Avignon - 32 classes will close and 19 will open next school year, with three additional ULIS classes for inclusive education in Vaucluse. The decision was made during the departmental education council, sparking protests from parents and educators in Avignon.
Alleged Influence Peddling in the Var - A deputy mayor of Puget-sur-Argens and the city's urban planning chief have been taken into custody for alleged influence peddling related to real estate deals in the Var. They are accused of facilitating low-price property sales, which were later revalued for profit. Their trial is set for the 21st of October in Draguignan.
Russian Conservatory Linked to Gérard Depardieu Announced in Nice - A Russian conservatory linked to Gérard Depardieu has announced plans to open a branch in Villa Paradiso, Nice, but the city has not confirmed this. The Rachmaninoff Conservatory aims to create a music school, cultural venue, and artist residence, though questions remain about financing. The villa has had a turbulent history, with past failed projects, including a Russian consulate and a cancer centre.
Large Crowds For Winter Festivals this Year - The Carnaval de Nice, Fête du Citron, and Fête du Mimosa attracted large crowds on the Côte d’Azur this winter. 400,000 people attended the Nice Carnival, nearly double last year’s turnout. The Lemon Festival in Menton saw 115,000 visitors, while 60,000 attended the Mimosa Festival in Mandelieu.
NEWS UPDATE
Body Found - The body of a man in his thirties has been discovered on the 5th of March on the hills above Nice. Firefighters assisted police in recovering the body from a steep area. Authorities suspect a potentially suspicious death.
New Naval Training School - A new naval training school called the École des Apprentis de la Marine will open in Saint-Mandrier in 2025 in the Var. It offers military-based vocational training in electrical engineering (2025) and cybersecurity (2026), leading to a professional baccalaureate. Graduates will be qualified sailors, ready to serve on Navy ships or submarines.
Criminal Explosion - A criminal explosion has destroyed a 17-meter motorboat on the 5th of February in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, with the blast heard from Nice to Villeneuve-Loubet. The Grasse prosecutor's office confirmed it was intentional, but no arrests have been made. Investigators are also probing a possible link to a previous arson attack that burned seven boats in the same port last May.
BUSINESS
US stock markets fell sharply as Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China sparked fears of a trade war. Canada and China retaliated with their own tariffs, while analysts warned of higher prices, economic slowdowns, and job losses. Trump insists tariffs will boost US manufacturing, but businesses and global markets remain wary.
Tesla is preparing to enter the Indian market, hiring staff and scouting for showrooms in Delhi and Mumbai. However, high prices, road conditions, and competition from local brands like Tata Motors could limit its success. While India is pushing for EV growth with subsidies and lower import duties, Tesla may initially focus on luxury sales rather than local manufacturing.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned Trump’s new 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, calling them "very dumb" and warning of a trade war. In response, Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on $107 billion worth of U.S. goods, while provincial leaders threatened further economic measures. Experts warn the tariffs could raise consumer prices, cost jobs, and damage trade relations, with the auto industry and energy sectors among the hardest hit.
And - Tesla's sales in Germany plunged 76% in February compared to last year, with only 1,429 cars sold, despite overall EV registrations increasing. This follows a decline in January amid controversies surrounding Elon Musk.
SPORTS
Football - The Football Association wants the three-match ban given to Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts for a dangerous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to be extended. Roberts was sent off in the eighth minute of Millwall's FA Cup fifth-round defeat at Selhurst Park on Saturday for a high challenge which left Mateta needing 25 stitches around his left ear.
Rugby Union - Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty says the prospect of France choosing seven forwards on their bench in Saturday's Six Nations meeting will not change their own selection plan much. The Springboks became the first tier-one side to adopt the 7-1 bench split during preparations for the 2023 World Cup, later doing so at the tournament in the pool stages against Ireland.
Golf - Tiger Woods is a doubt for the Players Championship after saying his "heart is really not into practising". The 15-time major champion missed the Genesis Invitational in February following the death of his mother earlier in the month.
WEATHER
Bright and clear this afternoon with moderate to strong winds. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice, 17 in Saint-Tropez and Toulon, and 18 degrees in Cannes and Marseille.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 9 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy with highs of 16 degrees and strong winds.
Strong winds of up to 95 km/h and heavy rain are expected in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments starting Sunday, lasting several days. ...
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The Kremlin has strongly criticized Emmanuel Macron’s speech on the Russian threat, calling his remarks "stupid" and "conflict-driven," accusing him o...
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French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the growing "Russian threat" facing Europe, including Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine, cyberatt...
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Starting on the 5th of March, travellers to the UK must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs £10 (~€12) and is valid for two y...
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